Brian Deane exclusive: Just what happened to Sheffield Utd this season?

Conceding three goals against Nottingham Forest saw Sheffield United equal a record set by Swindon back when the Premier League had 22 teams. Swindon conceded 100 goals in their sole season in the top tier, but in 42 games, The Blades have now reached that in just 35. Whatever happened to the famous Sheffield United-grittiness?

"It all started before the season did, because they were put in a situation where they sold their best two players (Iliman Ndiaye and Sander Berg). As a player, going into a situation where you lose two strong players like that and they're not really being replaced, you are kind of wondering what the hell's going on? It doesn't fill you with confidence," former Sheffield United striker Brian Deane tells Tribalfootball.com.

Deane had three stints with Sheffield United and is convinced no one could have managed a decent season with this squad in the Premier League.

"It's easy to blame the manager and I'm not saying that he (Chris Wilder) hasn't got his flaws. I'm not saying that Paul Heckingbottom hasn't got his flaws. But you could have put Pep, Klopp or whoever you wanted in. It's just not worked. I'm not sure what's going on," Deane wonders.

Dropping down a league might offer more playing time to talents like Oliver Arblaster and William Osula, but will the Blades be able to keep them?

"The best place for Arblaster is at Sheffield United. Is he going to be better than a young player at an elite club? He's playing football and where's he going to go? Regarding Osula, I think he has some good attributes and there is a lot to work with there. I see some attributes that I had at that age.

"If they work on him and round him out, perhaps work on his positioning and his confidence, they could have a serious player in the Championship. I saw him on the pitch against West Ham and felt there were times where he could have done some serious damage to the back line if he had a little bit more understanding.

"But he's just a young lad. Hopefully, next season, he's going to get a chance to lead the line and get some consistency behind him. Then we'll know whether or not we've got a player."

- Brian Deane was talking to Tribalfootball.com on behalf of Freebets.com